Rafael Nadal withdrew from the ATP-WTA Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday in the latest setback to the Spanish icon's comeback plans (David Becker)

Rafael Nadal abandoned his planned ATP Tour comeback at the Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday, saying he was not ready for the demands of tournament tennis on the eve of his opening match in California.

The Spanish icon's bombshell decision came four days after the 37-year-old lost a Las Vegas exhibition to compatriot and world number two Carlos Alcaraz.